Early Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on video reveals bad news for S Pen fans

Source: Android Authority

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

TL;DR

• The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra does not have a Bluetooth‑enabled S Pen, according to a tech YouTuber who received the phone before launch.
• In the video, the S Pen’s button is pressed repeatedly while the stylus is held a short distance from the device, with no effect.
• Earlier Ultra models (e.g., Galaxy S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra) allowed the S Pen button to act as a remote camera shutter, presentation clicker, and more.

Background

One of the most controversial changes introduced with the Galaxy S25 Ultra was Samsung’s decision to remove Bluetooth from the S Pen【source】. This eliminated wireless capabilities such as remote shutter control and presentation mode that had been available on previous Ultra devices.

Hands‑on video

Tech YouTuber and Twitter user Sahil Karoul reportedly purchased a Galaxy S26 Ultra in Dubai for roughly $3,268【tweet】. He posted a video demonstrating that:

• Pressing the S Pen’s button while the stylus is a short distance away from the phone does not trigger any action.
• The lack of response suggests the S Pen on the S26 Ultra lacks Bluetooth functionality.

Comparison with previous models

• Galaxy S23 Ultra: Tapping the S Pen button a few centimeters from the device “wobbles” the Air Command menu; press‑and‑hold opens the camera app; double‑tap performs app‑specific actions.
• Galaxy S24 Ultra and earlier Ultra phones: The S Pen button can be used as a remote camera shutter, presentation clicker, and other wireless functions.

The behavior observed on the S26 Ultra contrasts sharply with these earlier models, confirming the absence of Bluetooth support.

Conclusion

If a Bluetooth‑enabled S Pen is essential for your workflow, you may want to stick with the Galaxy S24 Ultra or an earlier Ultra device. The upcoming S26 Ultra does bring other upgrades, such as:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset【details】
• 60 W wired charging
• Slightly improved camera system

However, the loss of Bluetooth functionality in the S Pen may be a significant drawback for users who rely on its remote features.